2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference
March 13 - 15, 2022
Promoting Language Development to Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Within the Foster Care System
In 2019 it was reported that there were approximately 651,505 children who experienced neglect or abuse in their home setting within the United States (The Children's Defense Fund, 2021). 251,359 of those victims entered the foster care system, increasing the total number to a staggering 423,997 children withdrawn from their homes at the time of research (The Children's Defense Fund, 2021). What these statistics fail to reveal are the number of children within the foster care system who have hearing loss. In another study, it was determined that children with disabilities are approximately 1.8 times more likely to experience child neglect and abuse (Hibbard & Desch, 2007). Therefore, we can assume that there is a significant population of children who are deaf or hard of hearing within the foster care system. Why do these numbers matter? These statistics are important to recognize because there is evidence supporting that children who are deaf or hard of hearing have an increased likelihood of delays in language development. Children develop language through their environment, and it is important that we support foster caregivers with techniques and materials to encourage language development. This presentation will explore how speech-language pathologists can successfully promote language development for children who are deaf or hard of hearing within the foster care system by supporting the foster caregiver. Participants will have the opportunity to view interviews of three families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing who have been fostered or adopted, and their experiences with speech and language professionals.
- Participants will recall information from research about global services provided to foster care families.
- Participants will identify risk factors for language development experienced by learners who are deaf/hard of hearing in the foster care system.
- Participants will identify specific strategies and techniques for promoting language development within a foster home.
Poster:
3353554_15097EmilyMiner.pdf
Presenter: Emily Miner
Emily Miner, BS, is a speech-language pathology graduate student at Fontbonne University, where she has received OSEP-funding to specialize in the provision of family-centered early intervention for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and their families. Miner is interested in early language development and swallowing and seeks to serve children and infants upon graduation.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.